[This U.S.-based ethical
guideline for conducting research in the Arctic was prepared by the Social Science
Task Force of the U.S. Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee, approved
by the IARPC on June 28, 1990; and published by the Committee in volume 9, (Spring,
1995, pp.56-57) of Arctic Research of the United States.]

Principles for the Conduct of
Research in the Arctic

U.S. Interagency Arctic Research
Policy Committee

Introduction

All researchers working in the North
have an ethical responsibility toward the people of the North, their cultures,
and the environment. The following principles have been formulated to provide
guidance for researchers in the physical, biological, behav ioral, health, economic,
political, and social sciences and in the humanities. These principles to be
observed when carrying out or sponsoring research in Arctic and northern regions
or when applying the results of this research.

This statement addresses the need
to promote mutual respect and communication between scientists and northern
residents. Cooperation is needed at all stages of research planning and implementation
in projects that directly affect northern people.Cooperati on will contribute
to a better understanding of the potential benefits of Arctic research for northern
residents and will contribute to the development of northern science through
traditional knowledge and experience.

These "Principles for the Conduct
of Research in the Arctic" were prepared by the Interagency Social Science
Task Force in response to a recommendation by the Polar Research Board of the
National Academy of Sciences and at the direction of the Interagency Arctic
Research Policy Committee. This statement is not intended to replace other existing
Federal, State, or professional guidelines, but rather to emphasize their relevance
for the whole scientific community. Examples of similar guidelines used by profe
ssional organizations and agencies in the United States and in other countries
are listed in the publications.

Implementation

All scientific investigations in
the Arctic should be assessed in terms of potential human impact and interest.
Social science research, particularly studies of human subjects, requires special
consideration, as do studies of resources of economic, cultur al, and social
value to Native people. In all instances, it is the responsibility of the principal
investigator on each project to implement the following recommendations:

1. The researcher should inform
appropriate community authorities of planned research on lands,waters, or territories
used or occupied by them. Research directly involving northern people or communities
should not proceed without their clear and informed consent. When informing
the community and/or obtaining informed consent, the researcher should identify-

a. all sponsors and sources of financial
support;
b. the person in charge and all investigators involved in the research, as well
as any anticipated need for consultants, guides, or interpreters;
c. the purposes, goals, and time frame of the research;
d. data-gathering techniques (tape and video recordings, photographs, physiological
measurements, and so on) and the uses to which they will be put; and
e. foreseeable positive and negative implications and impacts of the research.

2. The duty of researchers to inform
communities continues after approval has been obtained. Ongoing projects should
be explained in terms understandable to the local community.

3. Researchers should consult with
and, where applicable, include northern communities in project planning and
implementation. Reasonable opportunities should be provided for the communities
to express their interests and to participate in the research.

4. Research results should be explained
in nontechnical terms and, where feasible, should be communicated by means of
study materials that can be used by local teachers or displays that can be shown
in local community centers or museums.

5. Copies of research reports, data
descriptions, and other relevant materials should be provided to the local community.
Special efforts must be made to communicate results that are responsive to local
concerns.

6. Subject to the requirements for
anonymity, publications should always refer to the informed consent of participants
and give credit to those contributing to the research project.

7. The researcher must respect local
cultural traditions, languages, and values. The researcher should, where practicable,
incorporate the following elements in the research design:
a. Use of local and traditional knowledge and experience.
b. Use of the languages of the local people.
c. Translation of research results, particularly those of local concern, into
the languages of the people affected by the research.

8. When possible, research projects
should anticipate and provide meaningful experience and training for young people.

9. In cases where individuals or
groups provide information of a confidential nature, their anonymity must be
guaranteed in both the original use of data and in its deposition for future
use.

10. Research on humans should only
be undertaken in a manner that respects their privacy and dignity:
a. Research subjects must remain anonymous unless they have agreed to be identified.
If anonymity cannot be guaranteed, the subjects must be informed of the possible
consequences of becoming involved in the research.
b. In cases where individuals or groups provide information of a confidential
or personal nature, this confidentiality must be guaranteed in both the original
use of data and in its deposition for future use.
c. The rights of children must be respected. All research involving children
must be fully justified in terms of goals and objectives and never undertaken
without the consent of the children and their parents or legal guardians.
d. Participation of subjects, including the use of photography in research,
should always be based on informed consent.
e. The use and disposition of human tissue samples should always be based on
the informed consent of the subjects or next of kin.

11. The researcher is accountable
for all project decisions that affect the community, including decisions made
by subordinates.

12. All relevant Federal, State,
and local regulations and policies pertaining to cultural, environmental, and
health protection must be strictly observed. 13. Sacred sites, cultural materials,
and cultural property cannot be disturbed or removed without community and/or
individual consent and in accordance with Federal and State laws and regulations.

In implementing these principles,
researchers may find additional guidance in the publications listed below. In
addition, a number of Alaska Native and municipal organizations can be contacted
for general information, obtaining informed consent, and matte rs relating to
research proposals and coordination with Native and local interests. A separate
list is available from NSF's Division of Polar Programs.

Publications

Arctic Social Science: An Agenda
for Action. National Academy of Sciences, Washington, D.C., 1989.Draft Principles for an Arctic Policy. Inuit Circumpolar Conference,
Kotzebue, 1986.Ethics. Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada,
Ottawa, 1977.Nordic Statement of Principles and Priorities in Arctic Research. Center
for Arctic Cultural Research, Umea, Sweden, 1989.Policy on Research Ethics. Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Juneau,
1984.Principles of Professional Responsibility. Council of the American
Anthropological Association, Washington, D.C., 1971, rev. 1989.The Ethical Principles for the Conduct of Research in the North. The
Canadian Universities for Northern Studies, Ottawa,1982.The National Arctic Health Science Policy. American Public Health Association,
Washington, D.C., 1984.Protocol for Centers for Disease Control/lndian Health Service Serum Bank.
Prepared by Arctic Investigations Program (CDC) and Alaska Area Native
Health Service, 1990.Indian Health Manual. Indian Health Service, U.S. Public Health Service,
Rockville, Mar) land, 1987.Human Experimentation. Code of Ethics of the World Medical Association
(Declaration of Helsinki). Published in British Medical Journal 2:177, 1964.Protection of Human Subjects. Code of Federal Regulations 45 CFR 46,
1974, rev. 1983.